Anyone ever try the #RentAnything service? I guess people with idle tools and devices put them up for rental on that website and make a little money while they're not using them.
Tempted to try it given a brief need of a metal detector, and it seems there are a few around nearby for $20 a pop.
Looks legit, but personal experience tales would be useful.
Giving it a try - will see how this works. My transaction went thru.
Pickup is in the Britannia/Woodroffe area at a weird property that looks like a single family home, but from sat view appears to have SIX smaller houses in the backyard of a normal sized lot!
That's pretty wacky (zoning?) Will be curious to see the layout, if the pickup doesn't get cancelled due to flakey listing syndrome.
Pickup confirmation received, and the loaner guy seems pretty laid back. A little beep-beep work tomorrow! Hope it's able to find a big iron rod in the ground. Hard to imagine an easier target.
There's a metal drain pipe I'd like to follow too, but it's probably 40-60cm down which might be too deep.
I've never tried a metal detector before, though I watch a few enthusiasts on YT off and on. The mild-mannered "Terra Germania" guy is a hoot.
Plus there's that fantastic BBC series #Detectorists, which was great fun.
Now the theme song is going to be going thru my head all day. I liked that song!
Picked up the rental metal detector, and have put it to use. I'm a #Detectorist! Well, today anyway.
I think I found the lot line iron bar. It's not a standard square one but a bent over cylindrical stake in the right spot. I'm guessing that must be the survey marker.
Going to verify the other corner shortly. That one's marked to be a standard 25mm iron bar on the old survey.
This reference is useful! Regulations for surveys in #Ontario. Lots of explanation of technique and terminology.
Sticking this link here for your general edification and my future reference:
Gave up on the other lot line iron bar I was detecting for. Looking at the old streetview pics, I suspect the marker bar is under the better part of a metre of soil after a new house was built and raised the grade.
I dug at the expected spot and detected nothing but wire bits.
I think I got any detectorist enthusiasm out of my blood. It's tedious and the landscape is heavily populated with old nails and wire bits.
Just to close the thread, I was pleasantly surprised with the #RentAnything service.
I suppose success depends on the renter and quality of the item rented, but it worked out really well for me. Economical, easy and convenient.
Good to know!
Decades ago, in a machinist forum, there was a thread about Harbor Freight tools.
Everybody was mocking their lack of quality, except a guy who wrote "I buy them just to borrow them to neighbors. They are happy, I don't look grumpy, everybody loves me, their wives bring me cakes and even if the tools don't come back I'm not concerned."
@ottaross My local library has some tools available for borrowing, I think maybe even a metal detector. In my old area, the local library system had an extensive tool lending library
Both in California, I have no idea what your libraries are like in Ottawa, but maybe worth looking in to next time
@scm yes I love the concept. Our library does loan out some interesting things like musical instruments, but I don't think they do tools. That would be nice. I should double check.
We have a "tool library" locally, though the membership fees are too high for my needs.
@scm Yes! I'm guilty of owning a wide range of tools myself, though I usually wait until I've had a need for a tool two or three times as a requirement before I buy it.
I try to get stuff from thrift shops, auctions and estate sales when I can, as that seems a little more reuse/green friendly.
Ross of Ottawa
rag. Gustavino Bevilacqua
Steve